Demolition work began Wednesday at the White House as part of President Donald Trump's $250 million project to build a new ballroom. However, the renovation is more extensive than previously indicated. In July, Trump stated that the ballroom would not interfere with the existing structure, claiming it would be "near it but not touching it." A White House official later confirmed that the "entirety of the East Wing will be modernized."

Recent reports revealed significant demolition activity, with bulldozers dismantling much of the East Wing, which previously housed the first lady's office and the White House military office. A seven-foot fence has been erected around the site to shield the demolition from public view. The East Wing, originally constructed in 1902 and renovated in 1942, is being updated to accommodate the ballroom project and future East Wing operations.

The Office of the First Lady and other East Wing offices have been relocated within the White House complex. Trump has long expressed a desire to create a ballroom similar to the one at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Mock-ups for the proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom were revealed this summer, with Trump stating that the funding would come from himself and unnamed donors. However, the administration has not disclosed specific details about the funding, raising ethical and legal concerns.

Trump indicated that the ballroom would allow direct access from the East Room of the White House, contradicting his earlier claims that the construction would not affect the mansion itself. This announcement has sparked criticism, including comments from former first lady Hillary Clinton, who stated on social media that Trump is "destroying" the White House, emphasizing, "It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has also expressed concerns. In a letter to White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf, the organization called for a pause in demolition until the ballroom plans undergo the required public review processes. Dr. Carol Quillen, president of the trust, noted that the proposed construction could overwhelm the existing structure and disrupt the classical design of the White House.

Despite the ongoing demolition, plans for the ballroom have not yet been submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees construction projects in the area. A White House official confirmed that plans will eventually be submitted for review.

In a press release, the White House defended the renovations, describing the project as a necessary addition that reflects the history of improvements made by past presidents. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the backlash as "fake outrage," asserting that Trump, known as the "builder-in-chief," is enhancing the East Wing.

The Treasury Department, located near the renovation site, has reportedly instructed employees not to share photos of the demolition. Trump, during a lunch with Senate Republicans, celebrated the construction, stating, "You probably hear the beautiful sound of construction in the back. You hear that? Oh, that’s music to my ears."

The ballroom project is expected to be the largest structural change to the White House since the addition of the Truman Balcony in 1948. Trump has claimed that the ballroom will accommodate up to 999 guests, an increase from the previously announced capacity of 650. Carrier Global Corp. has confirmed its donation of an energy-efficient HVAC system for the ballroom, further contributing to the project’s funding. The ballroom is anticipated to be completed before Trump's term ends in January 2029.